The drug, which can be 99% effective in blocking HIV, has yet to be widely distributed in Los Angeles County, the nation’s second-largest epicenter of people living with the virus. But opinions differ on what’s delaying a public health program to distribute the drug.

A new survey indicates most gay and bisexual men aren’t being tested for HIV and are unaware of current prevention and treatment options, and a new study by the CDC shows half living with HIV in the U.S. are not receiving appropriate medical treatment.

“I was finding folks whose primary doctors were not willing to provide the medicine and there are probably more of those folks out there. There is a need, I believe, for there to be more access to try this prophylaxis.”

The state’s new program, the first of its kind, is designed so that people who qualify will pay nothing out-of-pocket. “In Washington, we really see PrEP as a new and important tool in the toolbox for HIV prevention.”